Catamaran Comparison · 2026
Bali 5.4 vs Lagoon 40
Two near-neighbours in the 40–54 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.
At a Glance
The Bali 5.4 is a 54-foot 5-cabin catamaran launched in 2022. Best for large group, family, luxury. A proven family-friendly layout.
The Lagoon 40 is a 40-foot 3-cabin catamaran launched in 2018. Best for couples, small family. A balanced cruiser that does many things well.
Quick Comparison
| Spec | Bali 5.4 | Lagoon 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 54 ft (16.36 m) | 40 ft (11.97 m) |
| Beam | 8.92 m | 6.78 m |
| Cabins (guest + crew) | 5 + 2 | 3 + 1 |
| Max guests | 10 | 6 |
| Year introduced | 2022 | 2018 |
| Best for | large group, family, luxury | couples, small family |
| Standout amenity | AC, generator | AC, generator |
| Charter regions | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, South America & Galápagos | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida |
| Indicative price (bareboat low season) | $7,000 | $8,000 |
| Indicative price (crewed peak season) | $57,500 | $26,000 |
| View full detail | View → | View → |
Pricing data drawn from current-season bookings across BVI and Mediterranean bases. Updated quarterly.
What Would Each Boat Actually Cost You?
Design & Comfort Differences
The two boats feel meaningfully different on board, even within the same nominal size class. Three specific differences worth knowing:
- Saloon and deck space. The Bali 5.4 has a garage-door aft platform that opens the saloon directly to the sea; the Lagoon 40 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
- Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 5 (Bali 5.4) vs 3 (Lagoon 40) guest cabins. If you need 5 equal cabins for a multi-couple charter, the Bali 5.4 is the better fit. Otherwise they're both fine for a single-family layout.
- Amenities & kit. Bali 5.4 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy, garage door platform, ice maker. Lagoon 40 adds a similar kit, with the same core list.
Performance Differences
Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the neither — these are cruising-first boats.
In light air (under 10 knots true wind), the heavier-displacement boat will feel slightly sluggish; in 15–20 knots trade-wind conditions both perform similarly. In big Med Meltemi/Mistral conditions (25+ knots) the Bali 5.4's wider 8.92 m beam will initially feel more stable but pushes more water resistance.
For bareboat charters both behave predictably under sail and under power. We rarely see either one out-sail the other in normal charter conditions.
Price & Value
In current-season data, the Bali 5.4 starts at $7,000/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Lagoon 40 starts at $8,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Bali 5.4 reach $57,500/week and the Lagoon 40 reach $26,000/week.
For most charterers the price difference is small (~$500–$1,500/week) compared to the total trip cost — meaning amenities, layout and your destination matter more than sticker price when choosing between two boats this similar.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Bali 5.4. It's the calmer, family-oriented platform; the layout is forgiving for first-time charterers with kids aboard.
Neither boat is a true performance catamaran; both are cruiser-first. If sailing feel matters most, look at the Excess 14 or Nautitech 46 Open as alternatives.
Choose the Bali 5.4. It's specifically tuned for indoor-outdoor living and the finish is the more premium of the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bali 5.4 bigger than the Lagoon 40? ▾
Which is better for a family — Bali 5.4 or Lagoon 40? ▾
Which is better value — Bali 5.4 or Lagoon 40? ▾
Can the Bali 5.4 and Lagoon 40 charter in the same destinations? ▾
How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾
More 40–54-foot Catamaran Comparisons
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